Overview of Our Programs

The Community Health and Human Services program at UAB is designed to prepare students to work in professional health settings including national/state health agencies, clinical-based programs, and community-based non-profit agencies. In addition to studying contemporary health content, students are guided in the process of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating health-related programs and interventions which correspond to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing professional standards. Students are provided numerous opportunities to practice advanced health education specialist tasks via Instructor lead community-based projects and purposefully designed service learning experiences.

Graduate Certificate in Health Education

The Graduate Certificate in Health Education is designed for students who desire to work in the community or enhance their skills in academia and seek preparation at the graduate level in community health, but not a full master's degree. This certificate will formally recognize UAB students and community professionals who have sought out necessary skills and training in community health education. All courses are offered online.

Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.): Community Health (Online)

The Community Health and Human Services program at UAB prepares students for advanced employment opportunities beyond the bachelor's degree level (MAEd in Community Health). Work settings include public, volunteer, and private health agencies, clinics, and worksites. Students gain skills in health education program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Students are provided numerous opportunities to practice advanced health education specialist tasks via Instructor lead community-based projects and purposefully designed service learning experiences. Students learn research-based protocol and may choose to complete either a thesis or an internship upon degree completion. Required courses include research design, the advanced health education/promotion specialist, program planning, evaluation, and administration, along with behavioral theory. Course work is aligned with responsibilities and competencies of advanced level health education specialists developed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (www.nchec.org). This program of study has been developed to include the knowledge and competencies needed to prepare students for either the Certified or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES/MCHES) examination.

Masters of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.): Community Health with a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Online)

Through this joint venture between the Community Health and Human Services program and the Department of Government, students learn advanced health education programming planning, implementation, and evaluation competencies as well as nonprofit management skills such as grant writing and fund raising. The program exposes students to volunteer, private health agencies, clinics, and worksites.

M.A.Ed. Admission Process (Online)

Consideration for admission to the master’s degree program will occur each Fall and Spring term. The completed application packet must be received by the Community Health and Human Services Program from the Graduate School by the dates shown:

Application Deadlines

Entry Term

Deadline

Fall

April 30

Spring

October 30

Admission to graduate study in Community Health and Human Services is initiated through the Graduate School and all required materials are to be submitted per specified instructions delineated by the Graduate School. M.A.Ed. applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 2.50. The M.A.Ed program does not require that student complete the MAT/GRE examination. In rare cases, applicants who do not meet aforementioned standards may be considered for admission.

In addition, applicants must address several questions in writing that reflect the applicant’s background, development, pertinent work-related experience, and professional career objectives relating to careers in Community Health. Applicants will also be required to submit a professional resume. All applications for graduate admission are reviewed by the community health and human services faculty may be given one of two decisions: a) admit or b) not admit.

A Graduate Traineeship in Pediatric Pulmonary Care (PPC) is offered to one student and is designed specifically for professionals desiring a graduate degree in Community Health and Human Services who are interested in pediatric pulmonary care, and aspiring to positions of leadership. The traineeship features a combination of planned coursework, hospital rounds, pulmonary clinics, patient and family education and research experience and is designed specifically for professionals desiring a graduate degree in Community Health and Human Services (master’s or doctorate), who are interested in pediatric pulmonary care, and aspiring to positions of leadership. This 12-month interdisciplinary training program is offered to graduate students in Respiratory Therapy - Community Health and Human Services nursing, nutrition, social work and medicine. Training is provided in each of the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Competencies. The Traineeship includes a monthly stipend (for up to 12 months) and tuition assistance (limited to U.S. citizens or to individuals with a permanent visa). If interested in the PPC program, contact Dr. Laura Forbes, ltalbott@uab.edu

Student Professional Dispositions

Community Health and Human Services faculty individually review the professional dispositions (behaviors and attitudes) of students within each course in accordance with the School of Education’s policy and procedure. Additionally, faculty will collectively review student dispositions and overall progress in the program at the end of each semester. Dispositional areas identified as deficient could result in termination from the program.

Graduate Program Policies

No individual course grade below “C” will be accepted. Each course with an earned grade below “C” must be repeated. Repeating a required health education course more than twice is not permitted. If a student receives a grade lower than a “C” after their second attempt, he or she will be dismissed from the Community Health and Human Services program and not allowed readmission.

Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students

Following admission to the UAB Graduate School, students may enroll in elective Community Health and Human Services courses as "non-degree seeking" students with the permission of the instructor. Non-degree seeking students are limited to 12 hours of coursework. It is essential for non-degree seeking students to make an advising appointment with a faculty member prior to enrolling in elective courses as some elective courses have pre-/co-requisites. Non-degree seeking students are not permitted to take "core" health education courses prior to admission. Enrolling and passing non-degree seeking coursework does not guarantee admission into a masters or doctoral degree program. Admission criteria (cumulative GPA, recommendations, and written statement) are the primary factors considered when reviewing student suitability for admission to a program.

Graduate Certificate in Health Education

The last decade has seen significant emphasis being placed on the ability of professionals in non-profit, governmental and agency settings to have the skills and training needed to effectively plan, implement and evaluate health related policies and programs. Skills such as grant writing, budgeting, assessing needs of the service population, and using an ecological lens to develop meaningful interventions are only a few of the needed competencies in today’s job market. This certificate is for students who have a desire to work in the community or enhance their skills in academia and want some preparation at the graduate level in health education, but not a full master’s degree. This certificate is also appropriate for those already working in community agencies who want advanced skills and knowledge of how to conduct successful health-related interventions using a community based participatory research approach.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Education is designed for students who have a desire to work in the community or enhance their skills in academia and want some preparation at the graduate level in community health, but not a full master's degree. This certificate will formally recognize UAB students and community professionals who receive the necessary skills and training in community health education. All courses are offered online.

M.A.Ed. in Community Health

Designed to prepare individuals for advanced health education careers in agency, schools, worksites, and allied health care settings. All courses are offered online.This program is aligned with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and prepares students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist examination. CHES/MCHES provides evidence of competency of the knowledge, skills and application of the Areas of Responsibilities defining the role of an entry or masters-level health educator. Program options allow students to select thesis, or an internship option.

Master of Arts in Education in Community Health (Online)

Admission Requirement and Prerequisites

In addition to the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, it is preferred that applicants have passed an undergraduate or graduate level BY or CH course. Undergraduate level Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology courses are preferred program prerequisites.

Comprehensive Examination (Non-Thesis Option Only)

Students selecting the Non-Thesis M.A.Ed. option must complete a supervised internship including comprehensive exams during their last semester of course work. The comprehensive examination process requires that students demonstrate content knowledge, critical thinking skills, and abilities to perform tasks of the advanced level Health Education Specialist. A student cannot attempt the internship and comprehensive examination more than twice. Those who cannot complete the internship and exam with a passing score during the second attempt will be dismissed from the program and not allowed readmission. Contact the Community Health and Human Services academic advisor for more information.

Master of Education in Community Health with a Non-Profit Management Graduate Certificate

The M.A.Ed. degree requires a minimum of 42 credit hours for the Community Health with a Non-Profit Management Graduate certificate.

Comprehensive Examination (Non-Thesis Option Only)

Students in the Non-Thesis M.A.Ed. program must complete a supervised internship at a pre-approved community health education/promotion site. Student must also complete the comprehensive examinations during their last semester of coursework. The examination is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the appropriate aptitude for advanced level health education competencies. The comprehensive exam is a culminating task that encompasses the content knowledge and critical thinking skills that a Health Education/Promotion Specialist should possess. A student cannot attempt the internship and comprehensive examination more than twice. Those who cannot complete the internship and examination with a passing score during the second attempt will be dismissed from the program and not allowed readmission. Please contact the CHHS Graduate Program Director for additional information.

Health Education/Health Promotion (PhD)

Ph.D. Health Education/Health Promotion

The PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion is a UA System degree jointly administered by three units: UAB School of Education and College of Arts & Sciences, UAB School of Public Health, and UA College of Human Environmental Sciences. Students draw upon the expertise and resources of a diverse and highly qualified faculty. Faculty members strive to create a rigorous scholarly and supportive atmosphere for students to develop intellectually with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be ethical and responsible health education professionals.

Ph.D. Admission Process

Consideration for admission to graduate study in health education will occur each Fall for acceptance to start the following Fall term. The completed application packet must be received by the Community Health and Human Services Program from the Graduate School by the dates shown:

Application Deadlines

Entry Term

Deadline

Fall

October 30

Candidates for admission must have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution in health education or a health-related field. Admission to doctoral study is initiated through the Graduate School. Applicants will: (a) request official transcripts of all college coursework to send to UAB Graduate School; (b) submit (3) letters of recommendation from professors or others who are qualified to judge your ability to complete doctoral coursework; (c) complete the GRE indicating UAB as the recipient of your scores; and (d) submit writing sample(s), such as an essay describing your academic training, professional experiences and career goals. Admission to the program is competitive.

Ph.D. applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.00 or greater for prior college coursework and preferred GRE scores of 312 or greater. Faculty consider GRE scores as one indicator of an applicant’s potential success in the doctoral program.

Ph.D. Health Education/Health Promotion Program of Study

Students may enter the program with either a bachelor's or master's degree in health education, or a master's degree in a closely related health field. Prerequisite coursework includes Foundations of Health Education, Health Education Planning and Evaluation, and Research Design and Statistics. These requirements may be corequisite components in the program.

Students entering the program with a master’s degree may transfer appropriate coursework to this program; however, this will not reduce the number of courses required. Students will not be required to retake coursework already completed but may be required to complete prerequisites as part of their planned course of study.

A required review of student credentials prior to admission will identify strengths and needs. This review will provide students with a blueprint for their course of study and will be conducted by the program director and faculty advisor.

The PhD degree program will require students to complete a minimum of 72 credit hours: 42 hours of coursework, 12 hours of research internship, and 18 hours of dissertation research. Students will meet regularly with a faculty advisor to plan course enrollment.

Research and Statistics Prerequisites: Students are required to have completed the following courses (or equivalents) BEFORE enrolling in the Advanced Research and Statistical Methods Core.

Choose one course that fits the needs of your dissertation, with the approval of an advisor. Two examples are listed, but other courses could apply.

2

Selection of courses pre-approved by doctoral program advisor to build knowledge and skills in a cognate area, e.g. Health Disparities, Research, Global Health, Public Health Policy, Aging and Health, Disabilities and Health.

Comprehensive Examination

A written comprehensive examination is required of all candidates for the Ph.D. degree. Your preparation will include studying course content, core competencies for the profession, and related literature of the discipline. Prior to taking the exam, students must have completed their core course requirements. Students must register for a minimum of 3.0 hours of graduate work during the semester in which the comprehensive exam is taken.

The Comprehensive exam will be offered twice each year and is written and graded by the graduate faculty in the joint doctoral program. The examination will be a synthesis of the core coursework as well as core competencies in the field of Health Education and Health promotion. Grading of the comprehensive exam is done blinded, and by consensus. Students who fail to achieve passing scores will have one attempt to remediate within a calendar year. If a student fails a section for the second time, they will be dismissed from the program.